Braves' Chris Sale Shakes Off Illness for Dominant Start

Veteran pitcher overcomes illness to deliver another standout performance for Atlanta.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:58am

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Despite battling an illness, veteran pitcher Chris Sale turned in another dominant start for the Atlanta Braves, further solidifying the team's starting rotation and quelling concerns about their pitching depth.

Why it matters

The Braves have faced questions about their starting pitching depth, but Sale's continued excellence helps alleviate those concerns and boosts the team's chances of contending in the NL East.

The details

Sale, a seven-time All-Star, overcame an illness to deliver 7 strong innings, allowing just 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 9 batters. This continues a strong start to the season for the 33-year-old lefty, who has a 2.45 ERA through his first 4 starts.

  • The game took place on April 1, 2026.

The players

Chris Sale

A seven-time MLB All-Star pitcher who joined the Braves in the offseason after spending the majority of his career with the Boston Red Sox.

Atlanta Braves

The professional baseball team based in Atlanta, Georgia that competes in the National League East division of Major League Baseball.

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What they’re saying

“Chris really gutted it out for us today. He's been a true pro since joining this team and we're lucky to have him anchoring our rotation.”

— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager

The takeaway

Chris Sale's ability to overcome an illness and deliver another dominant start for the Braves is a testament to his experience and professionalism, and it helps solidify Atlanta's starting rotation as they look to contend in the NL East this season.